There are a million things to do in Alabama and countless reasons to explore this great state. From the magnificent mountainous interior to its sun-kissed Gulf coastline. However, if you’re looking for a vacation that will light up your taste buds then look no further. Nothing quite beats an Alabama brewery tour to explore this great state’s proud beer brewing culture.
If you enjoy sampling delectable craft beers, IPAs, ales, and stouts, then Alabama is the perfect state for you. This lovely state has an impressive array of historical breweries and a thriving craft beer industry in Alabama. Whether you’re a connoisseur of classic brews or an enthusiast of innovative flavor then an Alabama brewery tour has a little something for every beer lover to indulge in.
Follow us as we uncover a shortlist of the best Alabama breweries, taprooms, and microbreweries across this great state.
Photo by Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company
Starting in the north of the state, our first destination on the Alabama brewery tour is one of the best breweries in Decatur – the Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company (XEO). Not only is XEO Decatur’s oldest brewery, but they mastered the art of the brewing process to produce some of Alabama’s finest craft beers and lagers.
Included in the Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company’s beer portfolio are the One-Shoe Porter, their River City Lager, an American Lager, and the Lechuza, a Mexican Lager style. With regular onsite trivia nights and a classic brewpub food menu, it makes for a great first stop on our Alabama brewery tour.
When you’re in Decatur, why not take the whole family to Point Mallard Park, too. You can enjoy rounds of golf before cooling off in the 700+ acre fun park’s lazy river, wave pool, and multiple water slides. After enjoying a pitstop at one of the best breweries in Alabama, relax with a great night’s sleep at the Best Western River City Hotel in Decatur, Alabama.
Our next stop on our Alabama brewery tour provides an opportunity to explore a number of breweries in Tuscaloosa. Our first local brewery recommendation is the Druid City Brewing Company, which proudly incorporates Tuscaloosa’s nickname as its own. As one of the city’s favorite brewpubs, be sure to try their Druid City Wheat, a Belgian Wheat Beer, the Tuskaloosa Stout, a Dry Irish Stout, and their Downtown North Porter.
Photo by Black Warrior Brewing Company
Heading toward the river next, you’ll find the aptly named Black Warrior Brewing Company, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the very banks of the river that inspired its name. First opened in 2013 in an old Tuscaloosa barbershop, this craft beer bar serves up a delightful range of beverages, including the Bama, which is a Blonde Ale, their River Fog New England IPA, a Hazy IPA, and the Apricot Wheat, an American IPA.
As you find yourself on the banks of the Black Warrior River, enjoy an evening stroll along the paved trail of the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, or catch a performance at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre. With a choice of fantastic accommodation, you can have a restful stay locally at the Best Western University Inn within Tuscaloosa or the Best Western Catalina Inn just across the river in Northport, Alabama
Making our way to the Gulf Coast and the beautiful sandy beaches Alabama is blessed with, our next stop is the Gulf Shores brewery of the Big Beach Brewing Company. Not surprisingly, Big Beach Brewing is famous for being Alabama‘s southernmost microbrewery and comes complete with a stunning open-air taproom and one of the highlights of the Alabama brewery tour.
Photo by Big Beach Brewing Co.
As a result of its impressive 10-barrel brewing system, patrons of the Big Beach Brewing Company can enjoy a range of beers and ales. Our favorites include Shores Light, an American Light Lager, For the Love of Mosiac, their American Pale Ale, and the Yacht Rocker, a Lemon Gose.
After a beer-tasting session at one of the best breweries in Alabama, head off to meet the excellent crew at Cetacean Cruises for some local dolphin spotting and sunset boat tours. End every day in style with a comfortable night’s sleep at the Best Western on the Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Heading across Mobile Bay, our final stop on our Alabama brewery tour is in the beautiful city of Mobile, Alabama. Packed with Alabama breweries, live music and its customary southern charm. Mobile breweries also have some of the best drafts in the state.
Photo by Yelp & Gabe R.
Heading to Iron Hand Brewing first – the oldest brewery in Mobile – customers enjoy great food and a range of locally brewed beers from both their in-house brewery and other renowned breweries around Lower Alabama. However, when you visit this locally owned brewpub, take a chance to try their Wee Heavy,(which is a Scotch Ale), the Imperialist’s Nightmare IPA, their English IPA, and the Prince Cont-iPA, a New England IPA.
Photo by Braided River Brewery.
On an equal standing is Braided River Brewing, whose fantastic family-friendly tap room is often complimented with regular upbeat free live music. Not only does Braided River run several community partnership that redistribute beer sales proceeds back into the community, but their craft beers are amazing, too. These include the Hang Loose, a Juicy Pale Ale, Braided River, a Tropical IPA, and the Del Golfo, a Mexican-style Golden Pilsner.
Before you leave town, do take some time out from the Alabama brewery tour to pay a visit to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. After an insightful afternoon exploring this impressive World War II warship, lovingly restored and commemorating the sacrifices of all US service veterans, you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep at the Best Western Suites in nearby Jackson, Alabama.